Jakarta. On April 21, Indonesians will celebrate Kartini Day, the birth anniversary of national heroine Raden Ajeng Kartini, a pioneer in girls' education and women's empowerment.

This year, Kemala Bhayangkari Foundation of the wives of Indonesian police officers, the Indonesian Women's Sports Organization (Perwosi), the Solidarity Organization of the Working Cabinet (Oase Kabinet Kerja) and the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (Koni) will hold "Kartini Run 2018."

The race will start at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta at 6 a.m. on April 22.

First lady Iriana Joko Widodo is going to open the event.

Celebration of Health

The organizers want to convey a message that health and fitness play a role in women's empowerment.

"Kartini Day is usually celebrated by wearing a konde [Javanese hair bun], kebaya, and by taking part in cooking competitions," Tri Tito Karnavian, the wife of the National Police chief and chairwoman of Perwosi, said at a press conference on Thursday (05/04).

"Today's Kartinis have to be fit and strong. They have to be able to manage themselves and their families, raise fit and healthy children. With this Kartini Run, we want to encourage Indonesian women to exercise more."

A makeshift clinic at the Monas complex will offer cervical cancer-prevention tests to the first 550 women, and mammography to the first 50 women who register at the site.

Routes and Prizes

The race is divided into three categories: 10 kilometers for men and women; five kilometers for women; and two kilometers for people with disabilities.

"More than 7,000 participants have already registered, 90 percent of them are women, so it will be a race with the highest women's participation in Indonesia's history," said Reza Puspo, director at Mesa Race, which manages the event.

Participants are encouraged to wear traditional costumes, as long as they do not make running difficult. The most innovative ones will be awarded with special prizes.

The 10-kilometer race will stretch from Monas to the ITC Glodok mall and back from the mall to Monas.

The five-kilometer route will cover the distance from Monas to Harmoni and back.

The two-kilometer one runs from Monas to the Arjuna Wijaya and back.

Numerous water stations will be scattered along each route. Police and paramedics will be monitoring the whole event.

Each person who finishes the race will receive a medal. Cash prizes between Rp 5 million ($365.5) and Rp 20 million will be waiting for the winners.

Even if you are not going to run, you can still benefit from the race, as the police will offer free driving license renewal for the first 500 persons who come to the venue at Monas.

A lucky draw with motorcycles, mountain bikes, smartphones and shopping vouchers will accompany the event.